Sample analyzer and sample detection method

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample analyzer and a sample detection method. The sample analyzer controls a forward conveying sample frame along a first shaft, so that a sample container loaded with a to-be-detected sample on the sample frame is conveyed to a uniform mixing position for uniform mixing; the sample frame is controlled to be conveyed in the forward direction along the first shaft, so that a sample container loaded with a to-be-detected sample on the sample frame is continuously conveyed to a sample suction position from the uniform mixing position for sample suction; controlling the forward conveying of the sample rack along the first shaft, so that a sample container loaded with a sample to be detected on the sample rack is continuously conveyed to a waiting position from the sample suction position to wait for a test result; judging whether the sample in the sample container currently located at the waiting position needs to be rechecked or not according to the test result; when it is judged that reinspection is needed, the reverse sample conveying frame along the first shaft is controlled to move by a first distance, so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position is conveyed to the sample suction position again for sample suction. According to the invention, a new recheck rollback strategy is provided, and the efficient test rate of the instrument is ensured.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on the parent application with application number 202010637404.7 entitled "A Sample Analyzer and a Sample Detection Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a sample analyzer and a sample testing method. Background Technology

[0003] In clinical diagnosis, it is frequently necessary to use sample analyzers to analyze blood, urine, and body fluids (ascites, cerebrospinal fluid, and pleural effusion, etc.) collected from patients. Based on the analysis results, doctors can make a diagnosis. To ensure the reliability of the results, a retesting rule is generally implemented clinically. When the sample's test results meet the retesting rule, it indicates that the test results are unreliable and a retest is required, i.e., the sample is re-analyzed.

[0004] Most current sample analyzers can automatically perform sample retesting. A typical retesting process is as follows: The sample analyzer is equipped with a sampling position. The sample rack is scheduled so that the sample containers it carries pass through the sampling position in sequence and are sampled. Then, the sample rack is scheduled to a buffer area to wait for the test results of the sample. When the test results show that retesting is required, the sample rack is scheduled again so that the corresponding sample is rescheduled to the sampling position for retesting.

[0005] The existing re-inspection process needs further research and improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a sample analyzer and a sample detection method, which are described in detail below.

[0007] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0008] The loading area is used to support the sample rack; the sample rack has multiple sample positions arranged sequentially along its length, and the sample positions are used to support sample containers.

[0009] The sample loading area is used to receive the sample rack transported from the loading area; the sample loading area is provided with at least a mixing position, a sample suction position and a waiting position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis;

[0010] A recovery area for receiving sample racks transported from the sample loading area;

[0011] The first sample transport device is used to transport the sample rack in the forward or reverse direction along the first axis;

[0012] A mixing device for mixing samples in a sample container located at the mixing position;

[0013] A sampling device is used to aspirate samples from a sample container located at the sampling position.

[0014] A detection device used to test the collected samples;

[0015] The controller is used to control the sequential testing of samples in each sample container on the sample rack in the following manner:

[0016] The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported to the mixing position for mixing.

[0017] The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported from the mixing position to the aspiration position for aspiration.

[0018] The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack is transported from the sampling position to the waiting position to wait for the test results;

[0019] Based on the test results, determine whether the samples in the sample container currently in the waiting position need to be retested;

[0020] When it is determined that a retest is required, the first sample transport device is controlled to move the sample rack in the opposite direction along the first axis by a first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the sampling position for sampling.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the aspiration position in the sample injection area. The controller controls the first sample transport device to move the sample rack in the opposite direction along the first axis by the first distance, so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position is transported back to the aspiration position, and controls the aspiration device to perform aspiration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the mixing position in the sample injection area.

[0023] The controller first controls the first sample transport device to move the sample rack in the opposite direction of the first axis by the first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the mixing position, and controls the mixing device to mix the sample.

[0024] The controller device then controls the first sample transport device to transport the sample rack along the first axis in the forward direction, so that the sample container is transported back to the aspiration position, and controls the aspiration device to perform aspiration.

[0025] In one embodiment, the loading area includes a sample rack loading area and a sample rack feeding area. The sample rack loading area is used to carry sample racks along the length direction of a first axis and to allow the sample racks to move along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are arranged at an angle. The sample rack feeding area is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample rack loading area along the second axis and to allow the sample racks to be transported into the sample injection area along the positive direction of the first axis. Both the sample rack loading area and the sample rack feeding area can only carry one sample rack along the first axis.

[0026] The controller is also configured to:

[0027] When it is detected that the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area and the initial position of the sample rack in the sample loading area near the sample rack delivery area is greater than or equal to the first distance, the control moves the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction.

[0028] In one embodiment, when two sample racks are present in the sample loading area at the same time, the controller is further configured to: control the first sample transport device to move the previous sample rack and the next sample rack in a non-simultaneous manner along the positive direction of the first axis, starting from at least the time when the sample position at the end of the previous sample rack leaves the mixing position or the aspiration position.

[0029] In one embodiment, when two sample racks exist simultaneously in the sample loading area, the controller always controls the first sample transport device to first move the first sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis, and then move the second sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0030] In one embodiment, when two sample racks exist simultaneously in the sample loading area, starting from the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing or aspiration position, the controller controls the first transport device to move the first sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis each time, and then moves the second sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0031] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0032] If it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position does not need to be retested, the first sample transport device is controlled to move along the positive direction of the first axis to transport the sample rack, so that the next sample container that has been aspirated but has not yet obtained a measurement result in the sample rack reaches the waiting position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when a sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-examined or has completed re-examined, the controller controls the first sample transport device to transport the sample rack to the recycling area along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mixing position and the aspiration position are adjacent or spaced apart by N1 sample positions, and the aspiration position and the waiting position are adjacent or spaced apart by N2 sample positions, where N1 and N2 are both positive integers.

[0035] In one embodiment, the waiting position and the sampling position are separated by at least one sample position.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sampling position is at least one sample position apart from the initial position.

[0037] According to a second aspect, one embodiment provides a sample detection method, comprising:

[0038] The system controls the transport of the sample rack from the loading area to the sample injection area; wherein the sample injection area is provided with at least a mixing position, a sample suction position and a waiting position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis;

[0039] Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported to the mixing position for mixing.

[0040] Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported from the mixing position to the aspiration position for aspiration.

[0041] Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack is transported from the sampling position to the waiting position to wait for the test results;

[0042] Based on the test results, determine whether the samples in the sample container currently in the waiting position need to be retested;

[0043] When it is determined that a re-examination is required, the sample rack transported in the reverse direction along the first axis is moved a first distance so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the sampling position for sampling.

[0044] In one embodiment, controlling the reverse transport sample rack to move a first distance along the first axis so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the aspiration position for aspiration includes:

[0045] The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the sample aspiration position in the sample injection area;

[0046] Control the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the sampling position;

[0047] Control the re-sampling of the sample container located at the sampling position.

[0048] In one embodiment, controlling the reverse transport sample rack to move a first distance along the first axis so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the aspiration position for aspiration includes:

[0049] The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the mixing position in the sample injection area;

[0050] Control the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the mixing position;

[0051] Control the remixing of the sample container located in the mixing position;

[0052] Then control the forward transport of the sample holder along the first axis so that the sample container is transported back to the aspiration position;

[0053] Control the re-sampling of the sample container located at the sampling position.

[0054] In one embodiment, the sample detection method further includes:

[0055] When the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area and the initial position near the sample rack delivery area in the sample loading area is greater than or equal to the first distance, the system controls the transport of the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction. The loading area includes a sample rack loading area and a sample rack delivery area. The sample rack loading area is used to carry sample racks whose length direction is along the first axis direction and to allow the sample racks to move along the second axis direction. The first axis direction and the second axis direction are set at an angle. The sample rack delivery area is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample rack loading area along the second axis direction and to allow the sample racks to be transported into the sample loading area along the positive direction of the first axis. Both the sample rack loading area and the sample rack delivery area can only carry one sample rack along the first axis direction.

[0056] In one embodiment, the sample detection method further includes:

[0057] When two sample racks are present in the sample loading area at the same time, the control is such that: starting from at least the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position or the aspiration position, the first sample rack and the second sample rack move in a non-simultaneous manner along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0058] In one embodiment, when two sample holders exist in the sample loading area at the same time, the system always controls the first sample holder to be moved a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis before moving the second sample holder a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0059] In one embodiment, when two sample racks exist simultaneously in the sample injection area, starting from the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaving the mixing position or the aspiration position, each time the first sample rack is moved a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis, and then the second sample rack is moved the preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0060] In one embodiment, the sample detection method further includes:

[0061] If it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position does not need to be retested, the sample transport rack is moved along the first axis in the positive direction so that the next sample container that has been aspirated but has not yet obtained a measurement result can reach the waiting position.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sample detection method further includes:

[0063] When the sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-examined or has completed re-examined, the control moves the sample rack to the recycling area along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0064] According to a third aspect, one embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium including a program that can be executed by a processor to implement the methods described in any of the embodiments herein.

[0065] Based on the sample analyzer, sample detection method, and computer-readable storage medium described in the above embodiments, a new re-inspection rollback strategy is proposed to ensure the instrument's efficient testing rate. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 A perspective view of the entire sample analyzer according to one embodiment;

[0067] Figure 2 A perspective view of a sample analyzer in one embodiment, showing the internal structure after a portion of the outer casing has been removed;

[0068] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analyzer according to one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analyzer according to another embodiment;

[0070] Figure 5 A perspective view of a sample holder according to one embodiment;

[0071] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a sample holder according to one embodiment;

[0072] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first sampling device according to one embodiment;

[0073] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first sample transport device and sample holder in one embodiment.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mixing device according to one embodiment;

[0075] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sampling device according to one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the state of a sample rack according to one embodiment;

[0077] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the sample rack in another embodiment;

[0078] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analyzer according to another embodiment;

[0079] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analyzer according to one embodiment;

[0080] Figure 15 A flowchart of a sample detection method according to one embodiment;

[0081] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of a sample detection method according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0082] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0083] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0084] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0085] Some embodiments provide a sample analyzer capable of detecting samples and obtaining corresponding results. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the sample analyzer includes a loading area 10, a sample injection area 20, a recovery area 30, a first sample transport device 40, a mixing device 50, a sample suction device 60, a detection device 70, and a controller 80. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the entire sample analyzer. Figure 2 To create a 3D model by removing part of the outer shell to reveal the internal structure, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sample analyzer.

[0086] The loading area 10 is used to support the sample rack. The sample rack has multiple sample positions arranged sequentially along its length. These sample positions support sample containers, which are capable of holding samples. Generally, the sample containers held by the sample positions on the loading area 10 contain samples to be tested.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the loading area 10 includes at least one loading unit U. A loading unit U includes a sample rack loading area 11 and a sample rack feeding area 12. The sample rack loading area 11 is used to carry a sample rack whose length direction is along a first axis and to allow the sample rack to move along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are arranged at an angle; preferably, the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular. In some examples, the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular, for example, in the figure, the X-axis direction is the first axis direction and the Y-axis direction is the second axis direction. Figure 4 In this example, the sample rack can be pushed from the sample loading area 11 to the sample rack feeding area 12 along the positive direction of the second axis (i.e., the positive direction of the Y-axis). The sample rack feeding area 12 is used to receive the sample rack transported from the sample rack loading area 11 along the second axis direction (e.g., the positive direction of the Y-axis) and to transport the sample rack into the sample loading area 20 along the positive direction of the first axis (e.g., the positive direction of the X-axis). In some embodiments, both the sample rack loading area 11 and the sample rack feeding area 12 can only carry one sample rack along the first axis direction; for example, the dimensions of the sample rack loading area 11 and the sample rack feeding area 12 along the first axis direction are just enough to accommodate one sample rack. When the loading area includes multiple loading units U, the multiple loading units U are arranged in parallel along the first axis direction, and the sample rack feeding areas 12 of each loading unit U are interconnected.

[0088] Sample loading area 20 is used to receive sample racks transported from loading area 10, for example in Figure 2 In this example, the sample loading area 20 is used to receive the sample rack transported from the sample rack delivery area 12 along the positive direction of the first axis (i.e., the positive X-axis). The sample loading area 20 is provided with at least a mixing position 22, a suction position 23, and a waiting position 24 sequentially along the positive direction of the first axis. The shape of the sample loading area 20 allows the sample rack to move in either the positive or negative direction along the first axis, so that when the sample rack moves along the positive direction of the first axis, the sample containers on it can sequentially pass through the mixing position 22, the suction position 23, and the waiting position 24.

[0089] The recovery area 30 is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample loading area 20. In some embodiments, the recovery area 30 includes a sample rack delivery area 31 and a sample rack recovery area 32. The sample rack delivery area 31 is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample loading area 20 along the positive direction of a first axis, and the sample rack recovery area 32 is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample rack delivery area 31 along a second axis. In some examples, the sample rack can be pushed from the sample rack delivery area 31 to the sample rack recovery area 32 along the opposite direction of the second axis (i.e., the negative Y-axis).

[0090] The transport of the sample rack between the loading area 10, the sample introduction area 20, and the recovery area 30 can be achieved by a corresponding sample transport device. This application focuses on the movement and scheduling of the sample rack along the first axis. In this application, the first sample transport device 40 is used to transport the sample rack in the forward or reverse direction along the first axis. The following explains how the first sample transport device 40 achieves the forward or reverse transport of the sample rack along the first axis.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sample holder structure, which has several sample positions 91, allowing for the stable placement of sample containers such as sample tubes. Please refer to... Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a sample rack. The bottom of the sample rack is provided with one or more cavities 92. In some examples, the bottom of the sample rack is provided with cavities 92 corresponding to sample positions 91. Adjacent cavities 92 are separated by crossbeams 93.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the first sample transport device 40 includes a sample holder abutment 41 and a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first drive motor 42 and a second drive motor 43. The first drive motor 42 can drive the sample holder abutment 41 to move up and down (i.e., in the Z-axis direction, which is relative to the X-axis and Y-axis involved in other figures) and the second drive motor 43 can drive the sample holder abutment 41 to move horizontally, for example, in the direction of the first axis. Therefore, please refer to Figure 8The first drive motor 42 drives the sample holder abutment member 41 to move upwards, thereby inserting it into the cavity 92 of the sample holder. Then, the second drive motor 42 drives the sample holder abutment member 41 to move forward / reverse along the first axis, thereby driving the sample holder to move forward / reverse along the first axis. In some examples, there can be multiple sample holder abutment members 41, such as two. The first drive assembly can drive these two abutment members 41 to make the same movement, so that the first sample transport device 40 can simultaneously drive multiple sample holders to make the same movement, such as moving forward along the first axis simultaneously or moving backward along the first axis simultaneously. In some examples, the first drive assembly can independently drive the two abutment members 41 to move, so that the first sample transport device 40 can independently drive multiple sample holders to make opposite movements, such as driving one sample holder to move forward along the first axis while simultaneously driving another sample holder to move backward along the first axis.

[0093] The mixing device 50 is used to mix the sample in the sample container located at the mixing position. Please refer to... Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a mixing device 50. The mixing device 50 includes a second driving component and a gripper 52. The second driving component includes a third driving motor 51, a fourth driving motor 53, and a fifth driving motor 54. The third driving motor 51 can drive the gripper 52 to extend and retract in the front-to-back direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The fourth driving motor 53 can drive the gripper 52 to move up and down in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). By driving the gripper 52 to move and then grasp the sample container located in the mixing position, it moves upward. Then, the fifth driving motor 54 drives the gripper 52 to perform a pendulum-like motion (e.g., a pendulum angle of 135 degrees) to mix the sample in the sample container. Then, the fourth driving motor 53 drives the gripper 52 to move downward, placing the sample container back into the sample holder.

[0094] The aspiration device 60 is used to aspirate samples from the sample container located at the aspiration position. Please refer to... Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a sampling device 60. The sampling device 60 includes a drive assembly 61 and a sampling needle 62. The drive assembly 61 can drive the sampling needle 62 to move up and down (i.e., in the Z-axis direction). By driving the sampling needle 62 to move downward, it can pick up the sample in the sample container located at the sampling position. Then, it moves upward, and the drive assembly 61 drives the sampling needle 62 to move horizontally to the corresponding position, such as the sample discharge position, to discharge the sample.

[0095] The detection device 70 is used to detect the sample and obtain the test results.

[0096] This application introduces a retest rollback strategy, as detailed below. In some embodiments, the controller 80 is used to control the samples in each sample container on the sample rack to be tested sequentially in the following manner:

[0097] (1) Mixing: The controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to transport the sample rack, for example A, along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack A is transported to the mixing position 22 for mixing.

[0098] (2) Sample aspiration: The controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to transport the sample rack A along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack A is transported from the mixing position 22 to the aspiration position 23 for sample aspiration.

[0099] (4) Waiting: The controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to transport the sample rack A along the first axis in the positive direction, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack A is continued to be transported from the sampling position 23 to the waiting position 24 to wait for the test results;

[0100] (5) Re-inspection: The controller 80 determines whether the sample in the sample container currently located at the waiting position 24 needs to be re-inspected based on the test results; if it is determined that re-inspection is required, the controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to move the sample rack A in the reverse direction along the first axis by a first distance - for example, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the sampling position 23 in the sample injection area 20, so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position 24 is transported back to the sampling position 23 for sampling; if it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently located at the waiting position 24 does not need to be re-inspected, the controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to move the sample rack A in the forward direction along the first axis, so that the next sample container located on the sample rack A that has been sampled but has not obtained the measurement result reaches the waiting position 24.

[0101] Here's an example. Please refer to it. Figure 11 Let's consider the four states of sample rack A. Taking the sample container at sample position 0 (let's call the sample 0) as an example to illustrate the above process: In state 1, the first transport device 40 transports sample rack A along the positive X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported to mixing position 22, and mixing device 50 mixes sample 0; From state 1 to state 2, the first transport device 40 continues to transport sample rack A along the positive X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported from mixing position 22 to sampling position 23, and sampling device 60 picks up sample 0; From state 2 to state 3, the first transport device 40 continues to transport sample rack A along the positive X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported from sampling position 23 to waiting position 24, sample rack A stops at state 3, so that sample 0 stops at waiting position 24 to wait for its test results. If the test results of sample 0 indicate that it needs to be retested, then from state 3 to state 4, the first sample transport device 40 transports the sample rack A in the reverse direction along the X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported from waiting position 24 to sampling position 23 for sampling.

[0102] In some examples, the first distance mentioned above can be the distance between the waiting position 24 and the mixing position 22 in the sample injection area 20. In this case, in the above (5), when it is determined that a retest is required, the controller 80 first controls the first sample transport device 40 to move the sample rack A in the reverse direction along the first axis by a first distance, so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position 24 is transported back to the mixing position 22, and the mixing device 50 is controlled to mix the sample; the controller 80 then controls the first sample transport device 40 to transport the sample rack A in the forward direction along the first axis, so that the sample container is transported back to the aspiration position, and the aspiration device 60 is controlled to aspirate the sample. Figure 12 For example, if the first distance is the distance between waiting position 24 and mixing position 22 in the sample injection area 20, Figure 11 and Figure 12 The difference lies in states 4 and 5. Figure 12 In the process, from state 3 to state 4, the first sample transport device 40 transports the sample rack A in the reverse direction along the X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported from waiting position 24 back to mixing position 22 for mixing; from state 4 to state 5, the first sample transport device 40 transports the sample rack A in the reverse direction along the X-axis, so that sample 0 is transported from mixing position 22 to sampling position 23 for sampling. The reason for transporting the sample from waiting position 24 back to mixing position 22 for mixing during retesting is to prevent sedimentation or other issues from occurring while the sample is waiting for test results at waiting position 24. This would make the sample uneven and affect the results of the second measurement, i.e., the retest.

[0103] from Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen from the perspective of a single sample or a sample container, the samples in each sample container on the sample rack will go through the above (1) to (5). Figure 11 This explanation uses sample 0 as an example. However, as can be seen from the diagram, other samples may also be being processed during this process. For example, other samples may be subjected to sampling and mixing. Taking state 2 as an example, when sample 0 is at sampling position 23, sample 1 is at mixing position 22 and can be mixed. In state 3, sample 0 is at waiting position 24, sample 3 is at sampling position 23 and can be sampled, and sample 4 is at mixing position 22 and can be mixed. Of course, this depends on the mixing position 22, sampling position 23, and waiting position 24 being set with appropriate distances between each pair. For example, there may be N1 sample positions between mixing position 22 and sampling position 23, and N2 sample positions between sampling position 23 and waiting position 24. N1 and N2 are both positive integers. Thus, there is also a positive integer number of sample positions between mixing position 22 and waiting position 24. For example... Figure 3In the middle, the mixing position 22 and the aspiration position 23 are separated by zero sample positions, that is, the mixing position 22 and the aspiration position 23 are adjacent to each other, and the aspiration position 23 and the waiting position 24 are separated by 2 sample positions.

[0104] In some examples, there is at least one sample position between the waiting position 24 and the sampling position 23. This way, as the sample is moved to the waiting position 24 after sampling, more samples can be scheduled for sampling during this process, thereby improving testing efficiency.

[0105] The above describes the process of testing and re-inspecting the samples carried by a sample rack. When the sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-inspected or has completed the re-inspection, the controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to transport the sample rack to the recovery area 30 along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0106] The following example uses two sample racks, with the loading area including a loading unit U, to illustrate when it is appropriate for the second sample rack B to enter the loading area 20 during the testing process of the first sample rack A in the loading area 20.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 13 The sample loading area 20, near the loading area 10—for example, the sample rack delivery area 12 side—also includes an initial position 21. In other words, the initial position 21 is an initial position of the sample loading area 20. When it is detected that the distance between the end sample position of sample rack A in the sample loading area 20 and the initial position 21 is greater than or equal to the aforementioned first distance, the controller 80 controls the transport of the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area 11 to the sample rack delivery area 12 along the second axis direction. Understandably, the distance between the end sample position of sample rack A and the initial position 21 here refers to the distance calculated when the end sample position of sample rack A has entered the sample loading area 20, and the initial position 21 is not to the left of the end sample position of sample rack A (i.e., in the positive direction of the first axis, the same below).

[0108] For example in Figure 11 In the example, the first distance is the distance between waiting position 24 and suction position 23 in the sample loading area 20. Therefore, when sample number 9 on sample rack A is at suction position 23, the next sample rack, such as B, can be transported from sample rack loading area 11 to sample rack delivery area 12. For another example... Figure 12 In the example, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the mixing position 22 in the sample loading area 20. When the 9th sample on the sample rack A is located at the position one sample position to the left of the sampling position 23, the next sample rack, such as B, can be transported from the sample rack loading area 11 to the sample rack delivery area 12.

[0109] The strategy described above, in which the second sample rack B enters the sample rack feeding area 12, allows the first sample rack A to have enough space to retreat during re-inspection, without being affected by the second sample rack B.

[0110] In some embodiments, the loading area 10 can also allow the sample to retract along the second axis within the loading area 10, for example... Figure 3 In the example, the sample rack loading area 11 allows the sample rack to retract from the sample rack feeding area 12 and re-enter the sample rack loading area 11 along the reverse direction of the second axis. In such an embodiment, the strategy for the subsequent sample rack B to enter the sample rack feeding area 12 from the sample rack loading area 11 can adopt the strategy described above, or the subsequent sample rack B can immediately enter the sample rack feeding area 12 from the sample rack loading area 11 after the end sample position of the previous sample rack A reaches the initial position 21 of the sample loading area 20. When the re-examination retreat of the previous sample rack A is blocked by the subsequent sample rack B, the subsequent sample rack B can be controlled to move in the opposite direction of the first axis to avoid it. If the sample positions at the very front of the subsequent sample rack B have all exited the sample loading area 20, but the subsequent sample rack B still blocks the previous sample rack A, that is, at this time, because the sample rack A needs to be re-examined and its retreat distance causes the end sample position of the previous sample rack A to retreat back to the loading area 10, for example, back to the sample rack feeding area 12, then at this time, the subsequent sample rack B can continue to be controlled to retreat in the opposite direction of the second axis, that is, the subsequent sample rack B retreats from the sample rack feeding area 12 to the sample rack loading area 11, so that it will not block the retreat of the previous sample rack A.

[0111] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 14The loading area 10, for example, on the right side of the sample rack feeding area 12 (i.e., in the opposite direction along the first axis, hereinafter the same), may have an opening 12a to allow the sample rack to continue moving to the right side of the sample rack feeding area 12, i.e., in the opposite direction along the first axis, to adequately avoid the re-examination retraction of the previous sample rack. In such an embodiment, the strategy for the subsequent sample rack B to enter the sample loading area 20 can adopt the strategy described above, or the subsequent sample rack B can immediately enter the sample rack feeding area 12 from the sample rack loading area 11 after the end sample position of the sample rack A reaches the initial position 21 of the sample loading area 20. When the re-examination retreat of the previous sample rack A is blocked by the subsequent sample rack B, the subsequent sample rack B can be controlled to move in the opposite direction of the first axis to avoid it. If the sample positions at the very front of the subsequent sample rack B have all exited the sample loading area 20, but the subsequent sample rack B is still blocking the previous sample rack A, that is, at this time, because the sample rack A needs to be re-examined and its retreat distance causes the end sample position of the previous sample rack A to retreat back to the loading area 10, for example, back to the sample rack feeding area 12, then at this time, the subsequent sample rack B can continue to be controlled to retreat along the opposite direction of the first axis through the opening 12a, so that it will not block the retreat of the previous sample rack A.

[0112] The above are some solutions for when the next sample rack B may become an obstacle when the previous sample rack A is returned for re-inspection.

[0113] When two sample racks are present in the sample loading area 20, the controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 such that, starting at least from the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position 22 or the suction position 23, the first and second sample racks move non-simultaneously along the positive direction of the first axis, i.e., they move one after the other along the positive direction of the first axis. In some embodiments, when two sample racks are present in the sample loading area 20, starting from the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position 22 or the suction position 23, the controller 80 controls the first sample transport device 40 to first move the first sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis, and then move the second sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis. In other embodiments, when two sample holders are present in the sample loading area 20, the controller 80 always controls the first sample transport device 40 to first move the first sample holder a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis, and then move the second sample holder a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis. If retraction is required for re-inspection, the two sample holders can move simultaneously in the opposite direction along the first axis to retract, or they can move one in front of the other, i.e., not simultaneously, along the opposite direction of the first axis.

[0114] It should be noted that both sample racks have sample positions in the injection area 20, which is the case described above where two sample racks exist simultaneously in the injection area 20, but it is not necessary for all sample positions of both sample racks to be in the injection area 20 at the same time.

[0115] The above is a description of the sample analyzer of this application. Some embodiments of this application also disclose a sample detection method, which can be applied to the sample analyzer in one or more embodiments of this application. Please refer to... Figure 15 and Figure 16 Some embodiments of the sample detection method include the following steps:

[0116] Step 100: Control the transport of the sample rack from the loading area to the sample injection area; wherein the sample injection area is provided with at least a mixing position, a sample suction position and a waiting position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis.

[0117] In example Figure 4 In the example where the loading area 10 includes a sample rack loading area 11 and a sample rack delivery area 12, step 100 may specifically involve first controlling the sample rack to be transported from the sample loading area 11 to the sample rack delivery area 12 along the positive direction of the second axis (i.e., the positive direction of the Y-axis), and then controlling the sample rack to be transported from the sample rack delivery area 12 to the sample injection area along the positive direction of the first axis (i.e., the positive direction of the X-axis).

[0118] Step 110: Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported to the mixing position for mixing.

[0119] Step 120: Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported from the mixing position to the aspiration position for aspiration.

[0120] Step 130: Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack is continued to be transported from the sampling position to the waiting position to wait for the test results.

[0121] Step 140: Determine whether the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position needs to be retested based on the test results.

[0122] Step 150: If it is determined that a re-inspection is required, the sample rack is moved a first distance along the first axis in the reverse direction so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the sampling position for sampling.

[0123] In some examples, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the aspiration position 23 in the sample injection area 20. Then, step 150 controls the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position is transported back to the aspiration position; then controls the sample container located at the aspiration position to be re-absorbed.

[0124] In other examples, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the mixing position 22 in the sample injection area 20. In this case, step 150 controls the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently at the waiting position is transported back to the mixing position; then, the sample container at the mixing position is remixed; then, the forward transport sample rack along the first axis is controlled so that the sample container is transported back to the aspiration position; then, the sample container at the aspiration position is reabsorbed. The reason for transporting the sample at the waiting position 24 back to the mixing position 22 for mixing during the retest is to prevent sedimentation or other issues from occurring while the sample is waiting for the test results at the waiting position 24. This would make the sample uneven and affect the secondary measurement, i.e., the retest result.

[0125] In some embodiments, the sample detection method further includes step 160: if it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position does not need to be retested, then control the forward transport sample rack along the first axis to move so that the next sample container in the sample rack that has been sampled but has not obtained a measurement result reaches the waiting position.

[0126] The above describes the process of testing and re-inspecting samples carried by a sample rack. When the sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-inspected or has completed re-inspection, the sample testing method includes a step: controlling the transport of the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis to the recycling area.

[0127] The following example, using two sample racks and a loading area including a loading unit U, illustrates the appropriate timing for the second sample rack B to enter the loading area 20 during the testing process of the first sample rack in the loading area 20.

[0128] The sample detection method in some embodiments of this application further includes the step of: when it is detected that the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area 20 and the initial position 21 near the sample rack delivery area in the sample loading area is greater than or equal to the first distance mentioned above, then controlling the transport of the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction. In such an embodiment, the loading area includes a sample rack loading area and a sample rack delivery area. The sample rack loading area is used to carry sample racks whose length direction is along the first axis direction and to allow the sample racks to move along the second axis direction; the first axis direction and the second axis direction are set at an angle; the sample rack delivery area is used to receive sample racks transported from the sample rack loading area along the second axis direction and to allow the sample racks to be transported into the sample loading area along the positive direction of the first axis; both the sample rack loading area and the sample rack delivery area can only carry one sample rack along the first axis direction.

[0129] Additionally, it is understandable that the distance between the end sample position of the sample holder and the initial position 21 here refers to the distance calculated when the end sample position of the sample holder has entered the sample loading area 20, and the initial position 21 is not to the left of the end sample position of the sample holder. For example, in Figure 11 In the example, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the suction position 23 in the sample loading area 20. Therefore, when the 9th sample on sample rack A is at suction position 23, the next sample rack, for example, B, can be controlled to be transported from the sample rack loading area 11 to the sample rack delivery area 12 along the second axis direction. For another example... Figure 12 In the example, the first distance is the distance between the waiting position 24 and the mixing position 22 in the sample injection area 20. When the 9th sample on the current sample rack A is located one sample position to the left of the sampling position 23 (i.e., in the positive direction of the first axis), the next sample rack, such as B, can be controlled to be transported from the sample rack loading area 11 to the sample rack delivery area 12 along the second axis direction.

[0130] In some embodiments, the loading area 10 can also allow the sample to retract along the second axis within the loading area 10, for example... Figure 3In the example, the sample rack loading area 11 allows the sample rack to retract from the sample rack feeding area 12 and re-enter the sample rack loading area 11 in the opposite direction of the second axis. In such an embodiment, the strategy for the subsequent sample rack to enter the sample loading area 20 can adopt the strategy described above, or the subsequent sample rack can be controlled to immediately enter the sample rack feeding area 12 from the sample rack loading area 11 starting from the initial position 21 when the last sample position of the previous sample rack enters the sample loading area 20. When the re-examination and retraction of the previous sample rack is blocked by the next sample rack, the next sample rack is controlled to move in the opposite direction of the first axis to avoid it. If the sample positions at the very front of the next sample rack have all exited the sample loading area 20, but the next sample rack is still blocking the previous sample rack, that is, at this time, because the previous sample rack needs to be re-examined and retracted, the retraction distance causes the last sample position of the previous sample rack to retract back to the loading area 10, for example, back to the sample rack feeding area 12, then the next sample rack can continue to be controlled to retract in the opposite direction along the second axis, that is, the next sample rack B retracts from the sample rack feeding area 12 to the sample rack loading area 11, so that it will not block the retraction of the previous sample rack A.

[0131] In other embodiments, please refer to the reference. Figure 14 The loading area 10, for example, the right side of the sample rack feeding area 12, may have an opening 12a to allow the sample rack to continue moving to the right of the sample rack feeding area 12, i.e., in the opposite direction along the first axis, to adequately avoid the re-examination and retraction of the previous sample rack. In such an embodiment, the strategy for the subsequent sample rack to enter the sample loading area 20 can adopt the strategy described above, or the subsequent sample rack can be controlled to immediately enter the sample rack feeding area 12 from the sample rack loading area 11 starting from the initial position 21 when the last sample position of the previous sample rack enters the sample loading area 20. When the re-examination retraction of the previous sample rack is blocked by the next sample rack, the next sample rack can be controlled to move in the opposite direction of the first axis to avoid it. If the sample positions at the very front of the next sample rack have all exited the sample loading area 20, but the next sample rack is still blocking the previous sample rack, that is, at this time, because the sample rack needs to be re-examined and its retraction distance causes the end sample position of the previous sample rack to retract back to the loading area 10, for example, back to the sample rack feeding area 12, then at this time, the next sample rack can be controlled to continue to retract along the opposite direction of the first axis through the opening 12a, so that it will not block the retraction of the previous sample rack.

[0132] The above are some steps in the sample testing method to solve the problem when the next sample rack may become an obstacle during the re-inspection and retraction of the previous sample rack.

[0133] When two sample racks are present simultaneously in the sample loading area 20, the control is such that: starting at least from the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position or the aspiration position, the first and second sample racks move non-simultaneously along the positive direction of the first axis, i.e., they move one after the other along the positive direction of the first axis. In some embodiments, when two sample racks are present simultaneously in the sample loading area 20, starting from the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position 22 or the aspiration position 23, each time the control first moves the first sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis, and then moves the second sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis. In other embodiments, when two sample racks are present simultaneously in the sample loading area 20, the control always first moves the first sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis, and then moves the second sample rack a preset distance, for example, one sample position, along the positive direction of the first axis. When re-examination requires retraction, the two sample holders can be controlled to move in opposite directions along the first axis simultaneously to retract, or they can be moved in opposite directions along the first axis in a non-simultaneous manner, one in front and one behind.

[0134] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to them. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this document. For example, various operational steps and components for performing operational steps can be implemented in different ways depending on the specific application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system (e.g., one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps).

[0135] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, the principles herein can be reflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium pre-loaded with computer-readable program code. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and / or the like. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to form a machine, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus can generate means for performing a specified function. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can form an article of manufacture, including means for implementing the specified function. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to perform a series of operational steps on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus can provide steps for implementing the specified function.

[0136] While the principles herein have been illustrated in various embodiments, numerous modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials, and components, particularly suited to specific environmental and operational requirements, may be used without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure. These modifications and other alterations or alterations will be included within the scope of this document.

[0137] The foregoing specific descriptions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, considerations for this disclosure are to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are to be included within its scope. Similarly, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems with respect to various embodiments have been described above. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that produce these, or make them more explicit, should not be construed as critical, essential, or necessary. The term “comprising” and any other variations thereof as used herein are non-exclusive inclusion, meaning that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or not part of the process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the term “coupled” and any other variations thereof as used herein refer to physical connections, electrical connections, magnetic connections, optical connections, communication connections, functional connections, and / or any other connections.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that, include: Loading area, used to hold sample racks; The sample rack has multiple sample positions arranged sequentially along its length, and the sample positions are used to hold sample containers. The loading area includes at least one loading unit, which includes a sample rack loading area and a sample rack feeding area. The sample rack loading area is used to hold the sample rack along the first axis and to allow the sample rack to move along the second axis. The first axis and the second axis are arranged at an angle. The size of the sample rack loading area along the first axis is such that it can only hold one sample rack along the first axis. The size of the sample rack feeding area along the first axis is such that it can only hold one sample rack along the first axis. The sample loading area is used to receive the sample rack transported from the loading area; the sample loading area is provided with at least a mixing position, a sample suction position and a waiting position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis; The sample rack feeding area is used to receive the sample racks transported from the sample rack loading area along the second axis direction, and to transport the sample racks into the sample injection area along the positive direction of the first axis. A recovery area for receiving sample racks transported from the sample loading area; The first sample transport device is used to transport the sample rack in the forward or reverse direction along the first axis; A mixing device for mixing samples in a sample container located at the mixing position; A sampling device is used to aspirate samples from a sample container located at the sampling position. A detection device used to test the collected samples; The controller is used to control the sequential testing of samples in each sample container on the sample rack in the following manner: The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported to the mixing position for mixing. The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported from the mixing position to the aspiration position for aspiration. The first sample transport device is controlled to transport the sample rack along the positive direction of the first axis, so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack is transported from the sampling position to the waiting position to wait for the test results; Based on the test results, determine whether the samples in the sample container currently in the waiting position need to be retested; When it is determined that a retest is required, the first sample transport device is controlled to move the sample rack in the opposite direction along the first axis by a first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the aspiration position for aspiration or back to the mixing position for mixing. The controller is also used for: If the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area and the initial position in the sample loading area near the sample rack delivery area is greater than or equal to the first distance, the next sample rack is controlled to be transported from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction.

2. The sample analyzer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the aspiration position in the sample injection area. The controller controls the first sample transport device to move the sample rack in the opposite direction along the first axis by the first distance, so that the sample container currently located at the waiting position is transported back to the aspiration position, and controls the aspiration device to perform aspiration.

3. The sample analyzer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the mixing position in the sample injection area. The controller first controls the first sample transport device to move the sample rack in the opposite direction of the first axis by the first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is transported back to the mixing position, and controls the mixing device to mix the sample. The controller device then controls the first sample transport device to transport the sample rack along the first axis in the forward direction, so that the sample container currently located at the mixing position is transported back to the aspiration position, and controls the aspiration device to aspirate the sample.

4. The sample analyzer as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area and the initial position near the sample rack delivery area in the sample loading area is greater than or equal to the first distance, controlling the next sample rack to be transported from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction includes: When it is detected that a sample position in a preset order on the sample rack is located at a preset position in the sample loading area, the next sample rack is controlled to be transported from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction.

5. The sample analyzer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sample positions in the preset order on the sample rack are the end sample positions of the sample rack; The preset position of the sample injection area is the aspiration position of the sample injection area; or, the sample injection area is provided with the aspiration position and the preset position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis, and the preset position is the position in the sample injection area adjacent to the aspiration position.

6. The sample analyzer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The sample rack has 10 sample positions arranged sequentially along its length; when the 9th sample position of the sample rack in the opposite direction of the first axis is located at the aspiration position of the sample feeding area, the controller controls the next sample rack to be transported from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack feeding area along the second axis.

7. The sample analyzer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The loading area includes two or more loading units, and the loading units are arranged in parallel along the first axis, and the sample rack feeding areas of each loading unit are interconnected.

8. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When two sample racks are present in the sample loading area at the same time, the controller is also configured to: control the first sample transport device to move the first sample rack and the second sample rack in a non-simultaneous manner along the positive direction of the first axis, starting from at least the time when the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position or the aspiration position.

9. The sample analyzer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When two sample racks are present in the sample loading area, the controller always controls the first sample transport device to first move the first sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis, and then move the second sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

10. The sample analyzer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When two sample racks exist in the sample loading area at the same time, starting from the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaving the mixing position or the aspiration position, the controller controls the first sample transport device to move the first sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis each time, and then moves the second sample rack a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

11. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: If it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position does not need to be retested, the first sample transport device is controlled to move along the positive direction of the first axis to transport the sample rack, so that the next sample container that has been aspirated but has not yet obtained a measurement result in the sample rack reaches the waiting position.

12. The sample analyzer as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: when a sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-examined or has completed re-examined, the controller controls the first sample transport device to transport the sample rack to the recycling area along the positive direction of the first axis.

13. The sample analyzer as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The mixing position and the aspiration position are adjacent or separated by N1 sample positions, and the aspiration position and the waiting position are adjacent or separated by N2 sample positions, where N1 and N2 are both positive integers.

14. The sample analyzer as described in claim 13, characterized in that, There must be at least one sample position between the waiting position and the sampling position.

15. The sample analyzer as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The sampling position is at least one sample position apart from the initial position.

16. A sample detection method, characterized in that, include: The system controls the transport of the sample rack from the loading area to the sample injection area; wherein the sample injection area is provided with at least a mixing position, a sample suction position and a waiting position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis; Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported to the mixing position for mixing. Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be tested on the sample rack is transported from the mixing position to the aspiration position for aspiration. Control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container loaded with the sample to be sampled on the sample rack is transported from the sampling position to the waiting position to wait for the test results; Based on the test results, determine whether the samples in the sample container currently in the waiting position need to be retested; When it is determined that a retest is required, the sample rack is moved a first distance along the first axis in the opposite direction, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the aspiration position for aspiration or re-transported to the mixing position for mixing. The loading area includes at least one loading unit, which includes a sample rack loading area and a sample rack feeding area. The sample rack loading area is used to carry a sample rack along the length direction of a first axis and to allow the sample rack to move along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are set at an angle. The sample rack feeding area is used to receive a sample rack transported from the sample rack loading area along the second axis and to allow the sample rack to be transported into the sample feeding area along the positive direction of the first axis. The size of the sample rack loading area along the first axis is such that it can only carry one sample rack along the first axis. The size of the sample rack feeding area along the first axis is such that it can only carry one sample rack along the first axis. The sample detection method further includes: if the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample feeding area and the initial position of the sample rack near the sample rack feeding area in the sample feeding area is greater than or equal to the first distance, then controlling the transport of the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack feeding area along the second axis.

17. The sample detection method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The control of moving the sample rack in the reverse direction along the first axis a first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the aspiration position for aspiration, includes: The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the sample aspiration position in the sample injection area; Control the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the sampling position; Control the resampling of sample containers that have been transported back to the sampling position.

18. The sample detection method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The control of moving the sample rack in the reverse direction along the first axis a first distance, so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the mixing position for mixing, includes: The first distance is the distance between the waiting position and the mixing position in the sample injection area; Control the reverse transport sample rack along the first axis to move the first distance so that the sample container currently in the waiting position is re-transported to the mixing position; Control the remixing of sample containers that have been retransported to the mixing position; Then control the forward transport of the sample rack along the first axis so that the sample container located at the mixing position is transported back to the aspiration position; Control the resampling of sample containers that have been transported back to the sampling position.

19. The sample detection method as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, If the distance between the end sample position of the sample rack in the sample loading area and the initial position near the sample rack delivery area in the sample loading area is greater than or equal to the first distance, then controlling the transport of the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction includes: When it is detected that a sample position in a preset order on the sample rack is located at a preset position in the sample loading area, the next sample rack is controlled to be transported from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis direction.

20. The sample detection method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The sample positions in the preset order on the sample rack are the end sample positions of the sample rack; The preset position of the sample injection area is the aspiration position of the sample injection area; or, the sample injection area is provided with the aspiration position and the preset position in sequence along the positive direction of the first axis, and the preset position is the position in the sample injection area adjacent to the aspiration position.

21. The sample detection method as described in claim 20, wherein the sample rack is provided with 10 sample positions in sequence along its length; when the 9th sequential sample position of the sample rack in the opposite direction of the first axis is located at the aspiration position of the sample feeding area, the control is performed to transport the next sample rack from the sample rack loading area to the sample rack delivery area along the second axis.

22. The sample detection method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that, Also includes: When two sample racks are present in the sample loading area at the same time, the control is such that: starting from at least the moment the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaves the mixing position or the aspiration position, the first sample rack and the second sample rack move in a non-simultaneous manner along the positive direction of the first axis.

23. The sample detection method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, When two sample holders are present in the sample loading area, the system always controls the first sample holder to be moved a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis before moving the second sample holder a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

24. The sample detection method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, When two sample racks exist in the sample loading area at the same time, starting from the sample position at the end of the first sample rack leaving the mixing position or the sampling position, each time the first sample rack is moved a preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis, and then the second sample rack is moved the preset distance along the positive direction of the first axis.

25. The sample detection method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that, Also includes: If it is determined that the sample in the sample container currently in the waiting position does not need to be retested, the sample transport rack is moved along the first axis in the positive direction so that the next sample container that has been aspirated but has not yet obtained a measurement result can reach the waiting position.

26. The sample detection method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, Also includes: When the sample in the last sample position of the sample rack does not need to be re-examined or has completed re-examined, the control moves the sample rack to the recycling area along the positive direction of the first axis.

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